According to the Daily Sauce, The Duck Flies Again!

From their email:

Rumors were flying earlier this month that The Shaved Duck was dead, shot down by the failing economy and/or differences between owner Alastair Nisbet (who also owns The Scottish Arms) and executive chef Brendan Noonan. While Noonan did indeed exit the kitchen, the restaurant’s death rumors were – to paraphrase Mark Twain – greatly exaggerated, because tonight The Shaved Duck flies again. The reopening comes after three weeks of retooling, including the addition of an outdoor smoker and a lower-priced menu with more emphasis on “rustic American” than on “classically European” fare. We found nothing wrong with the old menu, especially the cornmeal-stuffed rabbit and fresh fish dishes, but it seems it didn’t draw enough diners. Fortunately, the duck confit, duck fat frites, huge craft beer selection and scallop-wrapped bacon stay, but expect to see lots of house-smoked meats, barbecue, flatbreads and a variety of chili (some so hot they’re served with milk). The new Duck also features live music – Bob Case and Friends will entertain tonight – and take-out. Now that’s what we call a bird of a different feather.

Sauce pick: The Shaved Duck reopens
Where to get it: Tonight – 5 p.m., 2900 Virginia Ave., St. Louis
Info: 314.776.1407

One of my favorite events of the year is this weekend.  And it’s all for a good cause.  The Seventh Annual Food and Wine Experience takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Chase Park Plaza.  It benefits the St. Louis Rep Theatre of St. Louis, and quite honestly..it’s a blast.  Unlimited amounts of wine and food from all over the country are available over two days.  They have several ‘classes’, and even VIP events, but quite honestly it’s just fun to walk around and take in the whole experience.  See you there!

http://www.repstl.org/foodandwine/

Got an email yesterday from the Wash U crew that bring us Science on Tap. After taking time off for the holidays, this stimulating event is back at the Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood starting January 28th. Seating is limited and there are no reservations so first come first seated!

he details are:

I hope you had a nice holiday break.  We resume Science on Tap this Wednesday, January 28th, 7pm-8:30pm at the Schlafly Bottleworks, Crown Room, in Maplewood at 7260 Southwest Ave.  We kick off the New Year with a very timely topic: Collateral Damage: Houses, Finance and the Economy by Dr. Gaetano Antinolfi, Associate Professor of Economics at Washington University.  Dr. Antinolfi has been a visiting scholar at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and is an expert on banking.  His research examines issues in macro, monetary and international economics.

“The economy entered a recession approximately one year ago.  Many people believe economic conditions are likely to further worsen in the near future and remain dire for quite some time.  Many of the elements that contributed to this crisis can be traced to the housing market, the financial products and policies that developed around it and the international economic conditions.  We will discuss some of the issues that led to the present situation, the current polices meant to address it, and international aspects of the crisis.”

Dr. Antinolfi is a favorite among Washington University students and we should have a good time consoling each other as we learn more about this complex situation!

For more information about the event, please visit: <http://scienceontap.wustl.edu>

Science On Tap is a free event, but seating is limited and there are no reservations.  We meet on the last Wednesday of the month during the academic year.

Looks like our friends over at Sauce Magazine have a new look and some fun new functionality, including video, and a much improved restaurant search! Be sure and check it out!

Well then you are going to be busy this month! Looking over various calendars, I count 6 if you include the one that just passed (Animal House) and one in early February (St. Patrick’s Center). So grab your smart friends and check out one or more of these great causes!

Hostelling International Gateway Council-Friends of Hostelling Trivia Night
Friday, January 16, 6:30pm
Maryland Heights Community Centre – 2344 McKelvey Rd
www.moonlightramble.com.

Young Variety’s Annual Trivia Night
Saturday, January 24, 6:00pm
Central Reform Congregation – 5040 Waterman Avenue
www.varietystl.org/TriviaNight_295.aspx

ARRG Trivia Night
January 24, 6:00pm
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2934 Marshall Ave.
www.archrivalrollergirls.com

Central Institute for the Deaf Trivia Night
Saturday, February 7, 6:30pm
CID – Central Institute for the Deaf – 825 South Taylor Ave.
www.cid.edu

2009 Sports Trivia Championship
Saturday, February 7, 5:00pm
Chaifetz Arena – Saint Louis University
www.stpatrickcenter.org

And as always, remember, Tenacious Trivia holds events all over town almost every night of the week! For more info and a schedule, visit http://stltrivia.ning.com.

Looks like the Shaved Duck, will in fact be closing temporarily! Again, word from the SLM blog is that the Shaved Duck will close for four weeks after tomorrow to change up the menu. Looking forward to trying it out!

Though this is great news, the message is still the same, patronize your favorite places!

*OLDER POST*

Despite rave reviews and awards, looks like The Shaved Duck will be closing its doors on January 3rd according to St. Louis Magazine’s blog. Reasons stated were creative differences between owner and chefs. No official release as of yet but here is hoping the speculation that this is a temporary closing will hold true.
It is sad to see any business close, but when it happens to a great one, the effect is devastating.  I know times are tough but I encourage everyone to go out as often as you can to support local businesses. They are a major part of our region’s character and charm.